On the structure of interactions of mass dimension one fermions: a functional renormalization group perspective

TL;DR

This paper investigates the renormalization group properties of mass dimension one fermions (ELKO spinors) using the functional renormalization group, exploring their interactions and potential for UV-completion as dark matter candidates.

Contribution

It provides the first systematic analysis of ELKO fermions' RG behavior, identifying minimal interactions for consistent flow and discussing UV-completion prospects.

Findings

Identified minimal interaction sets for RG consistency.

Explored asymptotic freedom and UV-completion possibilities.

Analyzed interactions with scalars, fermions, and gauge fields.

Abstract

In this paper, we provide the first systematic investigation of renormalization group properties of mass dimension one fermions described by ELKO spinors. By construction, ELKOs must be neutral under any Standard Model charge, therefore, providing a natural candidate for dark matter. We consider two versions of scalar-ELKO systems: the first characterized by a derivative Yukawa-like interaction, while the second involves ELKO four-fermion interactions as well as a scalar-ELKO portal. We also considered a system composed of ELKOs interacting with an Abelian gauge field via Pauli-like term. In all cases, we identified the minimal set of interactions that are required by a consistent renormalization group flow, and we discussed the possibility of constructing UV-complete trajectories based on asymptotic freedom. We used the functional renormalization group as a method of investigation.